The recent special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District has reignited tensions within the Democratic Party between progressive and moderate factions.
Democrat Aftyn Behn fell short of flipping the deep-red seat Tuesday, running primarily on affordability issues.
She faced Republican attacks branding her “a woke liberal” and the “AOC of Tennessee,” referencing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
Progressives vs. Moderates
Some Democrats argue a more moderate candidate might have been more competitive in the district.
“There are two projects going on in the Democratic Party right now,” said Lanae Erickson of Third Way, a center-left think tank.
“One is winning political power so we can stop Trump’s calamity. The other is turning blue places bluer. If far-left groups want to help save American democracy, they should stop pushing their candidates in swing districts and costing us flippable seats.”
The party has long faced internal divisions, with progressives like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez often at odds with moderates.
Recent victories for progressive candidates, such as Zohran Mamdani in New York City, have intensified these debates.
Meanwhile, moderate Democrats like Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill achieved wins in Virginia and New Jersey.
Behn’s Campaign and Challenges
Behn’s platform mirrored Mamdani’s focus on affordability, with the slogan “feed kids, fix roads and fund hospitals.”
She criticized Republican Medicaid cuts as favoring wealthy Americans and tied her opponent, Matt Van Epps, to broader controversies such as the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Republicans highlighted past comments from Behn, including calling herself “a very radical person” and controversial social media posts about police reform.
Behn defended her past statements, saying they were made as a private citizen and emphasized representing diverse opinions as a lawmaker.
Despite the attacks, Behn kept the race competitive, outperforming former Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2022 results in the district by 13 points.
Reflections on Democratic Strategy
Some party members believe a moderate candidate would have performed better.
“I think it’s fair to say that a more moderate candidate would have likely outperformed [her],” said Dave Cooley, former deputy governor of Tennessee.
However, others note Behn energized the Democratic base in Nashville, which dominates the district’s voter share.
Even Republicans acknowledged challenges in voter turnout and messaging during the race.
The election underscores ongoing questions for Democrats as they strategize to flip the House next year.
“I’m not suggesting there’s no room for the more progressive candidates,” Cooley said.
“But I don’t think that’s the long-term solution for Democrats.”
